Wimbledon 2019: the ultimate guide to the tournament

Find out where to eat, what to wear and the corporate hospitality packages that are available

Updated on 28 June 2019 • Written By Eamonn Crowe

Wimbledon is the biggest tournament in UK tennis and thousands of spectators flock to the event each year, to witness the likes of Andy Murray and Serena Williams in action. If you want to be a part of the action, whether you’ve managed to secure match tickets or not, our guide to Wimbledon 2019 will answer all of your burning questions. Check out everything you need to know below.

When is Wimbledon 2019

The tournament runs from Monday 1 July to Sunday 14 July. Check out the full list of semi-final and finals dates below:

Women’s singles quarter-finals: Tuesday 9 July

Men’s singles quarter-finals: Wednesday 10 July

Women’s singles semi-finals: Thursday 11 July

Men’s singles semi-finals: Friday 12 July

Women’s singles final: Saturday 13 July

Men’s singles final: Sunday 14 July

How to get tickets to Wimbledon 2019

The majority of tickets for Wimbledon 2019 have already been allocated via a public ballot which was open from 1 September to 31 December 2018. If you didn’t enter the ballot or entered and didn’t secure tickets, there are still some ways to gain access to the tournament.

Several hundred Centre Court and No 3 Court tickets will be released daily during the tournament for the following day’s play, and these can be purchased online via Ticketmaster. The somewhat less glamorous option is to join Wimbledon’s infamous ticket queue, which allows fans to buy tickets and ground passes on the day of play. 'The Queue', as it's known, starts forming in the early hours of the morning, with many tennis fans camping out overnight to improve their chances.

What to wear to Wimbledon 2019

If you’ve been lucky enough to nab tickets for Wimbledon, you’re probably wondering what to wear on the big day. Historically, Wimbledon spectators had to adhere to a strict dress code, with gentleman required to wear a tie. In recent years, the tournament’s dress code has become much more relaxed, although spectators are still encouraged to dress smartly, especially if frequenting Centre Court or Court Number One.

The only official dressing rules for visitors are that they cannot wear clothing emblazoned with political slogans or partake in what is known as ‘ambush marketing’ – essentially, don’t wear a cap with your company’s name all over it.

If you are lucky enough to be invited to the Royal Box, you will be expected to dress smartly – think a suit and tie for the gents, and day dresses for the ladies. No need to bring a hat though, because these are forbidden in the Royal Box in case they obstruct a VIP’s view.

How to get to Wimbledon 2019

Trains and London Underground

The nearest tube stations are Southfields (on the District Line) and Wimbledon (on both the District Line and Main line).

The entrance to Wimbledon Park where The Queue is located is five minutes from Southfields, while the Grounds (Gate 1) are a 15 minute walk away.

A shuttle bus service operates just outside Wimbledon station, going to and from the Grounds of the All England Club.

Tram

Trams run every five minutes from East Croydon station to Wimbledon station during the day from Monday to Saturday, and once every seven minutes on Sundays and early mornings/evenings. This journey will take you around 26 minutes.

Bus

London General also operates a bus service direct from St Pancras, Euston, Baker Street, Marble Arch and Victoria to The Championships, departing every 30 minutes.

Are you allowed to bring food and drinks into Wimbledon 2019

There are a handful of restaurants, cafes and bars on the Wimbledon grounds (see below), but if you want to avoid the queues, you are allowed to bring in your own food. However, only one bag per person is allowed and it must measure no more than 40 x 30 x 30cm. Furthermore, cool boxes, briefcases and hard-sided picnic hampers are all banned, so it’s best to bring a bag with you, which you can put in your pocket or recycle once you’ve devoured the contents.

Where to eat at Wimbledon 2019

There are a handful of bars and restaurants for spectators to enjoy at Wimbledon. The Wingfield Restaurant is the most formal of the offerings and lunch reservations are already fully booked out for the 2019 Championships. However, afternoon tea slots are still available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Elsewhere, The Conservatory Kitchen serves a selection of cakes and salads, as well as English-inspired hot dishes such as Lancashire beef lasagne and haddock and Parmentier potatoes with polonaise crumb and a poached egg. Those looking to dine outdoors can visit Café Pergola, which serves Pimms and strawberries and cream – if you’re feeling ravenous though, you can opt for a pork bun from the café’s rotisserie.

Those in the Southern Grounds can dine at Baseline Café, which turns out simple dishes such as a chicken salad wrapped in freshly-baked flatbread. The Baseline Café is also home to a Lavazza coffee bar, which serves iced lattes and frappes should you need to cool down.

Finally, spectators that want to visit a table service restaurant can choose to dine at Baseline Grill. Separate from the Café, signature items here include the prime steak burger, while vegetarians and vegans can indulge with the barbecue pulled jackfruit burger.

What happens if it rains at Wimbledon 2019

The British weather is notoriously unreliable and rain can disrupt play at Wimbledon. In 2009, a retractable roof was installed on Centre Court allowing play to continue whatever the weather, so if you’re watching a match there, there’s no need to worry.

However, if you are watching a match on any other court, rain will disrupt and possibly postpone play. The restaurants and cafes around the grounds can provide shelter, but much of the grounds are exposed to the elements, so remember to bring along a rain coat and an umbrella if you think you’ll need it.

What corporate hospitality packages are available at Wimbledon 2019

Expert hospitality company Keith Prowse has been appointed as the official hospitality provider for Wimbledon for the next five years, beginning in 2019. It's the first year only one company have won the contract and the team have several entertainment options for companies to choose from, including dining experiences and tickets to the most important matches.

Check out a few of the packages that are available below:

Rosewater Pavilion

This package is found at the first dedicated hospitality restaurant within Wimbledon’s grounds, and is best suited to private tables of between 2-12 guests. The Rosewater Pavilion package also guarantees you an interaction with a tennis celebrity, as well as much sought after tickets to Centre Court.

The Lawn (pictured above)

With this package, spectators can enjoy an outdoor garden with entertainment provided by live bands and singers, as well as a whisky and cigar bar. You’ll also be given tickets to either No. 1 Court or Centre Court.

Centre Court Sky Views Suites

A third option is the Centre Court Sky View Suites. These luxury spaces overlook Centre Court and can accommodate 10 or 20 guests. Visitors will be served a four-course à la carte menu, and will also be able to make use of chauffeur and concierge services.

Where to watch Wimbledon 2019 if you don’t have tickets

If you haven’t been lucky enough to secure the most sought-after tickets in tennis, you can still enjoy Wimbledon from the comfort of your own home. The BBC owns the televisual rights to the tournament and will be broadcasting the championships live on BBC One, BBC Two and BBC Red Button, while viewers can also stream matches online via BBC iPlayer.

If you prefer to soak up the atmosphere, you can join the thousands of spectators on ‘Murray Mount’, where a big screen television will stream the matches live. Several London pubs also tend to screen the tournament, so be sure to pop by your local and ask if they plan to show the tennis.